The centre-back has not appeared for the Three Lions since a World Cup qualifier against Switzerland in June 2011 and was also left out of Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad for "footballing reasons".

DOWN THE PECKING ORDEREngland centre-backs

Gary CahillCaps: 12, Goals: 2

Phil JagielkaCaps: 16, Goals: 1

Joleon LescottCaps: 24, Goals: 1

Chris SmallingCaps: 3, Goals: 0

His absence was reportedly made to avoid a possible conflict with Chelsea defender John Terry, who was included in the squad despite awaiting trial over allegations he racially abused Ferdinand's brother Anton.

Although the Red Devils player has not been selected for any England squad since, the commanding defender has not given up hope completely on a return.

"I'm no different to anyone else - I love playing for England," Ferdinand said in the latest edition of #5 magazine. "If I'm not then I'll keep doing what I'm doing for Manchester United.

"It is what it is. I'm not being picked. The manager hasn't picked me. If I got picked I'd pack my bags and go straight there."

Ferdinand also spoke of the moment he realised his life and career should not revolve around money, when he was told his new car was worth more than the flat owned by his father.

The defender, who was capped 81 times for England, had words of warning for younger players, urging them not to become "sidetracked" by huge salaries and to concentrate on achieving all they could as football players.